Fashion Week in Nigeria highlights talent of local designers

October 31, 2012

When we think of fashion week, major cities like Paris, Milan and New York City usually come to mind. Rarely, however, do places that are on the continent of Africa pop into our heads. However, any preconceived notions that we have about style hot spots may soon be dispelled according to various news sources.

Lagos, Nigeria, hosted MTN Lagos Fashion & Design Week that ran from October 24 to October 27. Buyers and designers from en vogue European labels like Selfridges & Co. and MyTheresa.com were among those in attendance as long-legged models wearing outfits from almost 40 collections, including Africa’s own Ituen Basi’s, strutted their stuff on the runway.

Local Nigerians have been making a name for themselves over the past few years. For example, talented designers like Duro Olowu has long been considered one of Michelle Obama’s favorite designers, and Deola Sagoe was praised by the likes of U.S. Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley and Oprah Winfrey.

Although most Nigerians live on a mere $2 a day, there is a growing population of wealthy residents, many of whom value and love shopping for high-end luxury goods.

“Nigerians are part of our Top 10 highest-spending foreign customers,” Selfridges public relations manager Bruno Barba said in a statement. “It felt right for us to try and find a response that would appeal to them, excite them and be over and above what they already buy, almost as a recognition that they’re an important part of our consumer base.”

As fashion trends continue extending beyond the United States’ and Europe’s borders, it’s important that fashionistas stay in-the-know about what is hot and what is not. Luckily, you can look like a diva without spending like one when you buy from Dellamoda.com. We’re an online retailer that sells designer purses, handbags and accessories for a lower price than what you would pay in a department store.